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GitHub Actions: What Type of GitHub Action Should You Use for Ruby Code?

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Exam

Learn the best type of GitHub Action to use when creating custom actions with Ruby code. Discover why Docker container actions are the optimal choice.

Table of Contents

Question

You need to create a custom GitHub Action written in Ruby. Which action type would you choose?

A. JavaScript action
B. Run step
C. Docker container action
D. Bash script

Answer

C. Docker container action

Explanation

Actions written in a language other than JavaScript must be placed inside of a Docker container.

When creating a custom GitHub Action written in Ruby, the best choice is to use a Docker container action (Option C).

Docker container actions allow you to package the environment with a Docker image, giving you full control over the operating system, tools, packages, and runtime used in the action. This is especially useful for actions written in languages like Ruby that aren’t directly supported by GitHub Actions.

With a Docker container action, you can:

  1. Use any base image that includes the Ruby runtime
  2. Install additional Ruby gems and system packages your action needs
  3. Configure the environment exactly as your Ruby action requires
  4. Package everything into a self-contained, reproducible unit

In contrast, while you could technically write Ruby code in a run step (Option B) or bash script (Option D), it would require Ruby to be installed on the GitHub-hosted runner or your own runner. It wouldn’t be as portable or self-contained as a Docker action.

JavaScript actions (Option A) are not suitable since they are meant for actions written in JavaScript, not Ruby.

Therefore, for custom GitHub Actions in Ruby, Docker container actions provide the optimal packaging and execution method. They allow you to bundle your Ruby code and all its dependencies into a reliable, reproducible package that can run in any environment supporting Docker.

GitHub Actions certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the GitHub Actions exam and earn GitHub Actions certification.